All this while the rescue and recovery efforts are directed/bungled by Michael Chertoff, Secretary of Homeland Security and Michael Brown, chief of FEMA. Brown's previous job was commissioner of the International Arabian Horse Association where he ultimately was fired for supervisory incompetence. In 2001, he was hired at FEMA by his old college roomate and head of FEMA Joseph Allbaugh. When Allbaugh left, Brown was promoted to head of FEMA.

It's definitely not what you know, but cronyism that appears to be invaluable.